Particle Physics Experiment on the International Space Station

Abstract

We know that the universe consists of 22% dark matter. The dark matter particle has to be stable, non-relativistic and only weakly interacting. However we do not know what the dark matter is made of and how it is distributed within our galaxy. In general, the cosmic antiparticles are expected as secondary products of interactions of the primary cosmic-rays (CRs) with the interstellar medium during propagation. While the measurements of CR positrons, anti-protons and diffuse gamma rays have become more precise, the results still do not match with pure secondary origins. A comparison between background of these CRs and experimental data has been performed using CR propagation models. A phenomenological study based on the supersymmetry (SUSY) is carried out and shows a better interpretation of CR fluxes including neutralino annihilations in the galactic halo and center. The AMS-02 will be the major particle physics experiment on the International Space Station (ISS) and make a profound impact on our knowledge of high energetic CRs with unprecedented accuracy. It will extend our knowledge on the CR origin, acceleration and propagation mechanism. Especially, the measurement of the position flux may be the most promising for the detection of the neutralino dark matter since the predicted flux is less sensitive to the astrophysical parameters responsible for the propagation and the dark matter halo profile. The fully AMS-02 detector has been assembled at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) located near Geneva in Switzerland. Afterwards space qualification tests it will be delivered to NASA-KSC to prepare for the launch with a space shuttle. The launch and installation of the AMS-02 detector on ISS is scheduled for 2010.